In the quarterfinal of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday in Ahmedabad, Ruturaj Gaikwad blasted seven sixes in an over against Shiva Singh. Gaikwad’s powerful hitting came in the 49th over of Maharshatra’s batting innings when he attacked Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner Shiva Singh and scored 43 runs off the over.
Along with the bowler for the Kiwis, WC Ludick, this is the most runs a bowler in List A has given up. The previous record, set by Hyderabad batsman Ravi Teja in the 2009–10 season, was 35 runs, making this the most runs a bowler in List A has ever given up in India. Gaikwad hit it over deep midwicket for the first six runs off the first ball, a low full-toss.
He blasted the second one right down the middle, while his third maximum was a deep square leg clearance. The batsman took full advantage of the free hit by hitting the fifth pitch, a no-ball, practically in the same direction as the fifth delivery, which was talked over long-off on the fourth pitch. This allowed him to attain his double century.
The last ball was hit beyond deep midwicket on the sixth attempt. Ten fours and sixteen sixes were part of Gaikwad’s 220 run off 159 balls. In doing so, the batsman joined a distinguished group of cricketers, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh, Ross Whiteley, Hazratullah Zazai, Leo Carter, Kieron Pollard, and Thisara Perera, who have all hit at least six consecutive sixes in an over.
In their 50 overs, Maharashtra scored 330/5. With a 3-66, Karthik Tyagi was Uttar Pradesh’s top bowler (10). Over the past few years, Gaikwad has consistently performed for the Chennai Super Kings and Maharashtra. Once in, Gaikwad has a propensity for scoring significant runs. According to Gaikwad’s coach, Mohan Jadhav, who spoke to the Indian Express, the runs in the big games were crucial.
In 2021, Gaikwad was awarded the orange cap by the Chennai Super Kings. But he was on the bench the previous season. He ran 635 runs. However, the youthful right-hander was benched the season before that. “I told him that they were holding you so they could watch and learn.” You need to psychologically prepare yourself for the day when it’s your turn.
You are fortunate that you do not have the opportunity to participate in the game since, if you did, it would take a long time for you to recover (in the scheme of things). Just be prepared for your opportunity,” Jadhav recalled.